Banana bread cookies are a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. If you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, you’re about to discover a new favorite treat. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the sweet flavor of bananas. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and are sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, banana bread cookies combine the goodness of bananas with the comforting warmth of spices and butter. In this article, we will explore why you should make this recipe, how to prepare them, and more.
Why Make This Recipe
Making banana bread cookies is a great way to use overripe bananas that you may otherwise throw away. Instead of letting them go to waste, you can turn them into a delicious treat. Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also require simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The mashed bananas keep the cookies moist and contribute to their amazing flavor.
These cookies are very versatile. You can customize them by adding ingredients you love, such as chocolate chips or nuts, making them perfect for different tastes. They also make a great snack for kids or a sweet treat for adults. Plus, the aroma that fills your home when baking these cookies is simply irresistible.
Banana bread cookies are not only tasty but also a healthier option compared to many other sugary snacks. Bananas provide natural sweetness and add potassium and other nutrients. So, whether it’s an afternoon treat or a breakfast pick-me-up, these cookies are a delightful choice.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies
Making banana bread cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Here, we will walk you through each step to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans
Directions
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, take the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients together until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices in the flour.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Make sure there are no large chunks left. Then, add in the melted butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these together until you have a smooth mixture.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Add optional mix-ins: If you want to include chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans, now is the time to fold them into the cookie dough. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
Scoop the dough: Using rounded spoonfuls, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie since they will spread a little while baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be golden at the edges and set in the center.
Cool: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies
Banana bread cookies can be served in many ways. Enjoy them warm right out of the oven for a soft and gooey treat. You can also serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack. They make an excellent addition to brunch gatherings or picnics.
For a fun twist, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm cookie. Drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce makes for a special dessert.
These cookies can also be packaged nicely and given as gifts to friends or family, making them a thoughtful treat for any occasion.
How to Store Banana Bread Cookies
Storing banana bread cookies is easy. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Cookies
Choose ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the cookies will be. Look for brown spots on the skin for the best flavor.
Measure carefully: Make sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can cause your cookies to become tough. Just stir until the ingredients are combined.
Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Every oven is different, so yours might take a bit longer or shorter than the suggested time.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add in spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different taste.
Variation
There are many fun ways to mix things up with this recipe. For example, you can add different types of nuts or dried fruits, like raisins or cranberries, for added texture and flavor. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
If you want a healthier version, try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can substitute with applesauce or a sugar alternative.
Another variation is to make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.How can I tell when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should look set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.Can I replace the butter with oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil as a substitute for butter. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly.What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use only granulated sugar if you don’t have brown sugar, but the cookies may be a little less chewy. An easy substitute is to mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses if available.Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract is great, but you can also add almond extract or even a little orange zest for a unique twist.
Making banana bread cookies is a joyful experience that results in delicious treats. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of banana bread in a cookie form. So gather your ingredients and give it a try!
Banana Bread Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mash bananas and then add melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in any optional chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- Scoop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet with space between each cookie.
- Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until golden at the edges and set in the center.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.